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When choosing strawberry varieties for their plot, each gardener focuses primarily on the yield of the variety, the size of the fruit and the ripening time of the berries. High-yielding and large-fruited varieties are more popular. These indicators distinguish the Roxana strawberry variety. The description of the variety, photos and numerous reviews of summer residents indicate that this plant belongs to varieties that can be grown on an industrial scale.
Features of the variety
Strawberry “Roxana” was bred relatively recently, at the end of the last century. The originators of the variety are Italian breeders. It was first grown and tested in the fields of New Fruits, located in the suburbs of Cesena. The first seedlings of this plant went on free sale only in 2001.
In Our Country, it began to be grown only in the early 2000s. But even for this short period, summer residents managed to evaluate the yield and taste of Roxana strawberries. What is so different about this variety, which has earned special recognition among gardeners in such a short period?
Strawberry “Roxana”, variety description, photos, reviews of gardeners indicate that this plant belongs to universal varieties.
Characteristics of the plant
In accordance with the description, strawberries “Roksana” refers to medium-late varieties in terms of ripening. Strawberry bushes are compact, vigorous and powerful, upright, not sprawling, with medium foliage.
Peduncles are quite long. However, inflorescences are always located no higher and no lower than the level of leaf plates.
In the first year of fruiting, only 1 or 2 flowers bloom on each inflorescence, which affects the size of the berries. They are much larger than in all subsequent periods of fruiting.
Mousse formation is moderate, because most of the nutrients and forces are spent on the formation and ripening of fruits. A feature of the variety is the formation of well-developed rosettes.
A brief description of the Roxana berries is as follows:
- The fruits are quite large, elongated, in shape they are close to the correct cone;
- Fruit weight depends on the age of the plant. In the first year, the berries are much larger and reach a weight of 25-35 grams. In subsequent years, the number of berries on each bush increases, but the weight decreases slightly – up to 20-22 grams;
- The color of strawberries is rich red or dark red. The shade depends on compliance with the rules of agricultural technology, the level of illumination of the beds and the vagaries of Mother Nature;
- The skin is smooth, with a glossy sheen and superficially located achenes;
- The pulp of strawberries is medium density, juicy, has a dessert taste and a pronounced strawberry aroma;
- Berries perfectly tolerate transportation without loss of appearance and quality.
From the description of the strawberry variety “Roxana”, photos and reviews of gardeners, we can conclude that it is perfect not only for growing in a summer cottage, but also on farms for the purpose of sale.
Another distinctive feature of the Roxana berries is their ability to maintain their qualities and taste for a long time. If for some reason you do not have time to collect and process the ripened crop in a timely manner, do not worry. When ripe, strawberries can hang on the bushes for up to two weeks without losing their appearance, taste and aroma.
The main feature of Roxana strawberries, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews of gardeners, is the tendency of berries to change the traditional shape in the process of formation and growth. Initially, the fruits have the correct conical shape, but during the period of active growth it bifurcates, forming small tubercles at the top of the berry.
Such transformations do not affect the taste of strawberries at all. It is this unusual look that attracts many gardeners.
An equally important feature of Roxana strawberries is a very high yield. Subject to the rules of agricultural technology, you can collect up to 1,2 – 1,5 kg of fragrant and juicy berries from one bush. The yield per one hundred square meters will be from 90 kg to 1 centner.
Strawberries ripen massively, evenly. Picking berries is not difficult due to good accessibility. Since Roxana strawberries, according to gardeners, are medium-late varieties, they are perfect for late harvesting.
Many summer residents grow it in such a way that the peak of fruiting occurs in the fall. A decrease in ambient temperature and poor lighting does not affect the yield of the plant, the taste and appearance of fragrant berries.
Stability
Considering that the homeland of this variety is sunny Italy, on the plains of which the thermometer rarely drops below -10 ° C in winter, difficulties may arise when growing strawberries in Our Country.
In the central and southern regions, there will be no particular difficulties in growing the Roxana strawberry variety. But in regions with a harsh climate, you need to be prepared for the fact that every autumn you will have to take care of high-quality strawberry shelter to protect it from freezing.
But no matter where you live, it is impossible to predict what the winter will be like. In any case, in the winter, it does not hurt to provide strawberries with additional shelter – throw snow on the beds. A natural blanket will help you keep the bushes.
Strawberry “Roxana”, in view of the description of the variety, the photo, judging by the reviews, is highly resistant to the following diseases:
- Gray rot;
- Powdery mildew;
as well as most pests. However, the plant does not have strong immunity to anthracnose. Therefore, preventive measures are essential.
Growing rules
You can plant or transplant strawberries “Roxana” even in spring, even in autumn. The preferred time for planting seedlings is mid-late August. Young bushes will be accepted without problems, easily adapt to new climatic conditions, and next summer they will give a bountiful harvest of sweet and fragrant strawberries.
In the spring, strawberries can be planted immediately after the snow melts and the earth warms up to a temperature of + 15˚С + 18˚С.
For planting strawberry seedlings “Roxana” you should choose a sunny area. It is desirable that the beds for growing were slightly raised. The soil should be loose, fertile, with low acidity. Light shading is acceptable for growing this variety.
The soil for planting strawberries must be prepared in advance. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil 2-3 weeks before planting. A berry plant grows well on soil fertilized with humus, humus, and complex mineral supplements.
Planting of seedlings
Strawberries should be planted in warm weather, in the late afternoon. If the weather is too hot, postpone the event for a couple of days, or take care of shading the young bushes during the first 2-3 days after planting.
Planting strawberries “Roxana” is very simple:
- On the prepared bed, make small holes 12-15 cm deep. The distance between the bushes should be 30-35 cm.
- In the planting hole, place the seedling strictly vertically and carefully straighten all the roots.
- Gently sprinkle the roots with earth, level the hole.
- Water strawberries only with warm water.
After planting, strawberry beds should be watered in a timely manner with settled water as the top layer of soil dries up.
Features of aftercare
Strawberry “Roxana”, judging by the reviews of experienced gardeners, does not require close attention and special care. She needs to provide the usual care, consisting of traditional activities:
- Timely and correct watering;
- spring pruning;
- Careful loosening;
- Weeding;
- Proper nutrition.
Prevention against diseases and pests
Despite the fact that the Roxana strawberry, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews of gardeners, is highly resistant to many diseases and most insect pests, it is still worthwhile to carry out timely processing for prevention. The first spraying can be carried out in early spring, when the air warms up to at least +10˚С +15˚С.
Before processing plants, you should read a few tips:
- Among a large number of biological products, Fitosporin and Phytocid are especially popular.
- To combat insect pests (the most common are: aphids, thrips, strawberry mites), strawberries are treated with insecticides. Aktellik, Aktofit have proven themselves excellently.
- With extreme caution, strawberries should be sprayed with Bordeaux liquid or other preparations that contain copper. They will protect strawberry bushes from many fungal diseases.
Possible reasons for the decrease in yield
It is very sad, with maximum efforts and proper care, to get only a few handfuls of berries instead of the promised abundant harvests. There are several reasons for the sharp decline in the yield of Roxana strawberries:
- Thickened landings;
- Incorrect and untimely watering;
- Overdose of fertilizers;
- Ignoring such important rules of agricultural technology as weeding, loosening, pruning;
- Untimely replanting and seating of old bushes.
Judging by the description of the Roxana strawberry variety, reviews and photos, only if you create suitable conditions and follow the rules of agricultural technology, you can count on getting a high yield.
Application area
Where can you use fresh strawberries? Careful housewives will always find a use for them. In addition to eating fresh berries, fragrant strawberries are useful for:
- Preparation of summer compotes, fruit drinks and kissels;
- Preparation of dairy drinks: yoghurts, cocktails, ice cream, smoothies;
- Winter preparations in the form of jams and jams;
- In the culinary field: for baking pies, cakes, desserts, making dumplings;
- Drying;
- Frosts in whole and crushed form;
- Preparation of liqueurs, tinctures, liquor and other strong drinks at home.
As you can see, the scope of strawberries “Roxana” is quite wide. Few people refuse hot tea with fresh berries on cold winter evenings.
A brief description of the Roxana strawberry variety for industrial use will be presented to you by the author of the video
Conclusion
The description of Roxana strawberries, photos and reviews of gardeners who grew it on their plots and managed to compare the declared characteristics indicate full compliance with the results obtained. Unpretentiousness in care, high yields and a wide range of applications are a good reason to plant this miracle of selection in your beds.